Rowena
Census-designated place in Wasco County, Oregon
Rowena is an unincorporated community (census-designated place) in Wasco County, Oregon, with 192 residents (2020 Census). It sits at 138 ft (42 m) above sea level. The nearest town is Lyle, 1.8 miles N.
- 192residents (2020 Census)
- 138 ftelevation · 42 m
- 1.8 sq miland area · 4.7 km²
- 106 / sq mipopulation density
- 97040ZIP code
About Rowena
Rowena is an unincorporated community in Wasco County, Oregon, United States. For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Rowena as a census-designated place (CDP). The census definition of the area may not precisely correspond to local understanding of the area with the same name. As of the 2020 census, Rowena had a population of 192.
Rowena is located west of The Dalles on the Columbia River, where the river passes through the natural feature Rowena Gap. Interstate 84 (Columbia River Highway) and U.S. Route 30 (Historic Columbia River Highway) pass through the community. Route 30 near Rowena is notable for the Rowena Loops.
The origin of the name "Rowena" is disputed. Two sources say Rowena was named for H.S. Rowe, a railroad company official, in the early 1880s. Another source says it was named for a girl, Rowena, who had been living in the area at the time the community was founded. It is also possible that the name comes indirectly from Rowena, Ivanhoe's lover in the novel of the same name by Sir Walter Scott.
There was once a ferry operating between Rowena and Lyle, Washington, across the Columbia.
The Nature Conservancy has a nature reserve on the plateau near Rowena, the Tom McCall Preserve, known for its spring wildflowers. The preserve is owned and managed in co-operation with Mayer State Park.
In June 2025, the Rowena Fire destroyed more than 50 residences in the Rowena area.
Text: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
Rowena weather: 7-day forecast
Loading the National Weather Service forecast…
Source: National Weather Service (NOAA).
Live webcams in Rowena
Webcams: Windy.com
Do you know Rowena? Tell us about it
Help other travelers: share what makes Rowena special. We review every message before publishing it.
Map of Rowena
Tap any street on the map to see it in Street View below. Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Rowena Street View
Drag the image to look around and tap the arrows on the ground to move. If it says there is no imagery, tap a nearby street on the map above.
Open in Google Maps ›Rowena, OR population
Rowena had 192 residents in the 2020 Census.
| 2020 Census | 192 |
|---|---|
| Density | 106 per sq mi (41 per km²) |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Decennial Census.
Rowena at a glance
| State | Oregon (OR) |
|---|---|
| County | Wasco County |
| Type | Census-designated place |
| Population | 192 (2020) |
| Land area | 1.81 sq mi (4.7 km²) |
| Elevation | 138 ft (42 m) |
| Coordinates | 45.6701° N, 121.2749° W |
| ZIP code | 97040 |
| Census code (GEOID) | 4163950 |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Gazetteer, ZCTA), USGS GNIS, Wikidata.
Towns near Rowena
- Lyle, WA1.8 mi N
- Chenoweth4.2 mi SE
- Dallesport, WA5.8 mi SE
- Mosier6.0 mi W
- The Dalles7.7 mi SE
- Bingen, WA10.0 mi W
- White Salmon, WA10.9 mi W
- Klickitat, WA11.6 mi NE
- Hood River12.3 mi W
- Odell13.6 mi W
- Wishram, WA14.7 mi E
- Dufur16.6 mi SE
Straight-line distance between town centers.
Frequently asked questions about Rowena
What county is Rowena in?
Rowena is in Wasco County, Oregon.
What is the population of Rowena, OR?
192 people lived in Rowena at the 2020 Census.
What is the ZIP code of Rowena, OR?
The ZIP code of Rowena is 97040.
What is the elevation of Rowena?
138 feet (42 m) above sea level.
What towns are near Rowena?
Lyle (1.8 mi), Chenoweth (4.2 mi), Dallesport (5.8 mi), Mosier (6.0 mi), The Dalles (7.7 mi).
Last updated: